Planning and Estimating Flashcards
7 cards from real General Contractor License practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Planning and Estimating flashcards as text
What is the primary purpose of a pre-bid site visit?
Answer: To assess site conditions that may affect the cost and method of construction
A pre-bid site visit allows contractors to identify existing site conditions, access issues, and other factors that affect cost and planning.
Which type of estimate is typically prepared from schematic or preliminary drawings and is least accurate?
Answer: Conceptual (order of magnitude) estimate
A conceptual or order-of-magnitude estimate uses minimal design information and carries the widest range of accuracy, often ±30–50%.
A general contractor's bid includes $50,000 for self-performed work and $200,000 in subcontractor quotes. Which portion typically receives a markup for managing subs?
Answer: Only the subcontractor costs
Contractors typically apply a markup (often 5–10%) on subcontractor costs to cover coordination, administration, and risk.
In the context of construction scheduling, what does 'resource leveling' mean?
Answer: Adjusting the schedule to smooth out peaks and valleys in resource demand
Resource leveling adjusts activity timing to avoid over- or under-utilization of labor, equipment, or materials at any point in time.
What is the difference between a lump-sum contract and a unit-price contract?
Answer: Lump-sum is a fixed total price; unit-price pays per measured unit of work
A lump-sum contract has one agreed total price, while a unit-price contract pays based on actual quantities of work measured in the field.
What does a 'milestone' represent in a construction schedule?
Answer: A significant event or point in the project with zero duration
A milestone is a key event or deliverable in the schedule, shown as a point with no duration, such as 'foundation complete.'
Which estimating method applies a cost-per-square-foot factor based on similar past projects?
Answer: Square-foot (parametric) estimating
Square-foot or parametric estimating uses historical cost-per-unit-area data from comparable projects to develop a quick preliminary estimate.